1. Where is Can Gio? How to get there?
Can Gio, Vietnam is a seaside commune in the southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, where several rivers flow into the sea. Known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, it features the Tomb of Ong Thuy Tuong, Can Gio Mangrove Forest, and Can Gio Beach.
To go from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Gio, you must first get to Binh Khanh Ferry. From the former District 1, follow Dong Khoi Street - Ton Duc Thang Street - Nguyen Tat Thanh Street - Nguyen Van Linh Street - Huynh Tan Phat Street. Binh Khanh Ferry is at the very end of Huynh Tan Phat Street.
At Binh Khanh Ferry, you will board a ferry to get to Can Gio, Vietnam. The fee is just 2,000 VND/person if you don’t have a vehicle, an additional 4,500 VND if you have a motorbike, and an additional 23,000 VND if you have a car.
Public transport is another option. Bus 75 directly goes to Can Gio with a fee of 30,000 VND/person.
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2. A glance at the history of Can Gio, Vietnam
The history of Can Gio, Vietnam is tied to the 300-year history of Ho Chi Minh City. This land has witnessed pivotal events, from Gia Long’s defeat by the Tay Son forces to its role as a revolutionary base during the resistance against France and the United States. Early locals built livelihoods from fishing, aquaculture, agriculture, and forestry. Their cultural heritage remains strong through folk practices.
Before April 30, 1975, Can Gio served as a vital defense line, protecting the maritime route from the East Sea to Saigon Port. During the war, millions of bombs and toxic chemicals devastated its ecosystem. After reunification, despite limited resources, the community rebuilt. Today, Can Gio has transformed into a steadily growing commune focused on fisheries and especially ecotourism.
Before the major administrative reorganization in 2025, Can Gio, Vietnam had 7 communes and 1 township. As of July 2025, it was reorganized into four communes: Binh Khanh, An Thoi Dong, Can Gio, and Thanh An.
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3. Things to do on your trip to Can Gio in Saigon
3.1. See famous relics
3.1.1. Sac Forest War Base
Sac Forest War Base, a national historical relic, is among the most significant cultural sites of Can Gio, Vietnam. It preserves the legacy of the 10th Regiment of the Special Task Force. To reach the base, tourists must ride canoes through dense mangroves. The site vividly recreates the daily life of the soldiers, from distilling seawater to building hidden shelters. Beyond its historical value, the untouched mangrove landscape provides a visually captivating experience.
3.1.2. Tomb of Ong Thuy Tuong
The Tomb of Ong Thuy Tuong, one of southern Vietnam’s largest whale-worshipping temples, is a must-visit on the Can Gio Vietnam map for culture buffs. Inside, it preserves a massive 12-meter-long whale skeleton, which symbolizes the guardian spirit of fishermen. The site is adorned with intricate motifs, while its displays of fishing tools and seafaring customs offer insight into the local fishing communities.
3.2. Explore natural attractions
3.2.1. Can Gio Beach
For nature lovers, Can Gio Beach, Vietnam impresses with its velvety black sand sculpted by brackish waters. Stretching 13 kilometers, this beach offers a tranquil setting for swimming, strolling, or simply enjoying the sea breeze. Rocky pathways along the shore create striking photo opportunities. Tourists can also join the locals in crab catching or sea fishing. At sunrise, the beach glows beautifully as golden hues spread across the horizon.
3.2.2. Monkey Island
Another prominent natural attraction in Can Gio, Vietnam is Monkey Island, which is home to thousands of long-tailed macaques roaming freely in the mangrove forest. These monkeys are bold and curious, often surrounding tourists in hopes of being fed. You can take an electric shuttle along the 1-kilometer-long pathway to the island’s core, where shaded trails reveal monkeys grooming, feeding, and playing.
3.2.3. Thanh An Island
Thanh An Island offers a peaceful escape in Can Gio, Vietnam. Tourists can stroll the long dike to enjoy the breezes, wander around alleys to glimpse daily life, or relax on quiet beaches. Overnight accommodation options include simple homestays, budget guesthouses, or camping by the shore, which is perfect for watching the breathtaking sunrise over the sea.
3.3. Visit local markets & enjoy foods
3.3.1. Hang Duong Seafood Market
Hang Duong Market has been a bustling hub in Can Gio, Vietnam for generations. The stalls here sell everything, from fresh seafood and cooked dishes to handicrafts and souvenirs. Tourists can pick live seafood straight from the tanks and have it cooked to order on the spot. Other specialties include dried fish, fermented shrimp paste, and Can Gio mango, all popular gifts to bring home.
3.3.2. Can Thanh Night Market
Every weekend, Tran Van Kieu Street transforms into the lively Can Thanh Night Market. Lined with food stalls, it is best known for fresh seafood, quick bites, and local specialties like bird’s nests and Can Gio mango. Tourists can also browse the handicrafts while mingling with the locals. With its festive atmosphere, Can Thanh Night Market is a favorite evening spot for both shopping and dining.
3.4. Relax in tourist areas
3.4.1. Vam Sat Ecotourism Site
Vam Sat Ecotourism Site is among the top attractions in Can Gio, Vietnam, covering 5.7 hectares of a UNESCO-listed Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. It protects three key areas: the Flying Fox Sanctuary, Waterbird Sanctuary, and Crocodile Reserve. Tourists can spot crocodiles in lagoons, macaques, and bats clustered in trees. From Tang Bong Tower, panoramic views stretch across endless mangroves where herons and pelicans soar. Other activities include camping, cycling, crab catching, and crocodile fishing.
3.4.2. Dan Xay Ecotourism Site
Covering nearly 48 hectares, Dan Xay Ecotourism Site in Can Gio, Vietnam offers insights into sustainable mangrove restoration. Tourists can explore the site by speedboat or wooden boat along shaded waterways. You can also savor meals featuring forest vegetables and seafood. Meanwhile, riverside lodges provide chances to fish, watch tidal mudflats come alive, and enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets. Adventure seekers may try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or mud-wading to catch seafood.
3.4.3. Thieng Lieng Community Tourist Area
Thieng Lieng Community Tourist Area in Can Gio, Vietnam is the first of its kind in Ho Chi Minh City. It is home to Giong Chua Mountain, a mountain steeped in legends and wartime stories. At its base, vast salt fields shimmer like a white canvas, where tourists can join the locals in making salt. It also offers homestays and traditional music. Other highlights include visiting Ba Ngu Hanh Shrine, savoring homemade dishes, and exploring flower-filled landscapes.
3.5. Experience the Can Gio Whale Festival
The Whale Festival is the most important cultural celebration in Can Gio, Vietnam. Held at the Tomb of Ong Thuy Tuong and offshore, this festival lasts three days, from the 15th to the 17th day of the 8th lunar month. It honors the local fishermen’s bond with the sea through processions, offerings, and prayers. Alongside rituals, tourists can enjoy folk games, net-casting, crab-tying, and traditional music, all showcasing the vibrant spirit of Vietnam’s coastal culture.
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4. Can Gio weather & the best time to visit
Can Gio, Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate with two clear seasons: rainy (May - October) and dry (November - April). Temperatures stay steady year-round, averaging 25 - 29°C. The weather is generally mild with cool evenings. It is suitable for visits anytime, although there can be sudden showers in the rainy season.
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FAQs about Can Gio in Ho Chi Minh City
Is Can Gio safe for tourists?
Yes, it is safe. Just be cautious of the mischievous monkeys at Monkey Island, as they may grab your belongings.
How long should I spend in Can Gio, Vietnam?
A day trip is enough. An overnight stay lets you further enjoy the calm atmosphere and seafood markets in the morning.
What attractions can I expect on a Can Gio tour?
Highlights include Can Gio Mangrove Forest, Monkey Island, Sac Forest War Base, Can Gio Beach, and seafood markets.
Do I need to book a tour to visit Can Gio, Vietnam?
You can explore Can Gio on your own. Still, guided eco-tours offer deeper insights into the area.
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Just an hour-ride away from downtown, Can Gio, Vietnam provides a peaceful retreat filled with natural beauty and cultural heritage. From mangrove forests to quiet beaches, it promises both relaxation and adventure.
Outside of Can Gio, tourists in Ho Chi Minh City can head to Grand Park, a modern entertainment complex filled with thrilling games and family-friendly activities.
In addition to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam also boasts many other world-famous destinations like Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Ha Long. There, you can stay at the resorts and hotels of Vinpearl, where striking design meets breathtaking scenery and classy service.
For added adventure, the entertainment complexes of VinWonders provide endless fun with games and shows suitable for all ages.
